Back in the late 80s, a phenomana developed in Manchester called The Hacienda, which 20 years later has never been copied. A very basic place which had a just unique special atmosphere and a sound of its own.
I remember queing for hours on Whitworth St, Manchester to get in. It matter how much it cost to get in, you spend any money once inside, you danced and mingled. Brilliant nights, 500 sweaty bodies crammed together with one aim, fulfilment. Seeing the New Order faces, Johnny Marr, 808 State, the Inspirals, Happy Mondays was just great.
I noticed a new CD called The Hacienda Classics, for £ 9.97. 3 CDs, which brought back megga memories of friends and good times.
Disc: 1
1. Rhythm Is A Mystery - K-Klass
2. Pump Up London - Mr. Lee
3. You're Gonna Miss Me - Turntable Orchestra
4. Lack Of Love - Charles B & Adonis
5. What U Need - Soft House Company
6. Security - Beat Club
7. Love Can't Turn Around - Farley 'Jackmaster' Funk & Jesse Saunders
8. Hallelujah - Happy Mondays
9. Don't Scandalize Mine - Sugar Bear
10. Pacific State - 808 State
11. Alright - Urban Soul
12. Voodoo Ray - Guy Called Gerald
13. Confusion/Walking On Sunshine - New Order/Rockers Revenge
14. Stakker Humanoid - Humanoid
15. I Can Dance - Jason, Kenny
16. Ride On Time - Black Box
Disc: 2
1. Where Love Lives - Limerick, Alison
2. Good Life - Inner City (1)
3. Salsa House - Richie Rich (1)
4. Hey Hey Can U Relate - DJ Mink
5. Can You Feel It - Mr. Fingers
6. Dreams Of Santa Anna - Orange Lemon
7. Carino - T-Coy
8. Come Together - Primal Scream
9. Belfast - Orbital
10. Know How - Young MC
11. Baby Let Me Love You For Tonight - Kariya
12. Do You Want It Right Now - Degrees Of Motion
13. Plastic Dreams - Jaydee (1)
14. It Takes Two - Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
15. Let The Music Play - Shannon
Disc: 3
1. Space Face - Sub Sub
2. Weekend - Terry, Todd
3. Berry - TC 1991
4. Is There Anybody Out There - Bassheads
5. Juice (Know The Ledge) - Eric B & Rakim
6. Hashim (The Soul) - Al Naayfish
7. Everybody (All Over The World) - FPI Project
8. Love Sensation - Holloway, Loleatta
9. Promised Land - Joe Smooth
10. Ruined In A Day - New Order (1)
11. Papua New Guinea - Future Sound Of London
12. Sueno Latino - Sueno Latino
13. Back By Dope Demand - King Bee
14. Strings Of Life - Rhythim Is Rhythim
15. It's Alright - Sterling Void
16. You Got The Love - Staton, Candi
Its mixed by Peter Hook, the level of mixing makes it sound just like it did then, very bassy and the the blending between songs really is great, so simple and flows nicely. Its so good to hear production thats not 'over done'.
Its hard to choose my favourite cd - theyre all very similar in quality and sound, but I think the mixing in cd1 would make it my favourite.
With many other classics albums being released lately, Hacienda would certainly go towards the top of the list in terms of great sounds, and one of the best albums I've bought in months. Overall, a nice album that is very much feel good.
I'm glad to have the fortune to go this club when it was in its pomp.
I doubt we'll see another Hacienda.
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